News

The Award of Young Organic Farmers 2016 goes to the farm “Stolze Kuh” in the village Lunow-Stolzenhagen. The farm convinces i. a. with the use of rare cattle breeds e. g. the “Rotvieh alter Angler Zuchtrichtung” as well as with its social engagement e. g. for refugees. The Young Organic Farmers Network awards promising and innovative organic farms. The award of this farm highlights the potential of rare cattle breeds for the future organic farming.

The BLE has published a directive on the promotion of innovation in the soil sector and aims to promote projects with sustainable contribution to climate protection under the terms of the Paris agreements and to sustain or improve the profitability of soil resource under changing climatic conditions.
In addition to the area of GHG reduction, adaptation strategies for climate change, development and optimization of soil management models, transfer of knowledge and decision-making aids for agriculture or the development of market mechanisms and incentive systems can be supported.
The deadline for submission of project proposals will end on 30.03.2017.

The BLE is asking for project proposals for the climate protection in the animal production. One research topic is the identification and use of the potential of animal breeding for climate protection. This includes concepts based on the optimization of the system soil-plant-animal (e. g. in grassland production systems). Regarding the adaptation on the climate change even projects for the characterization and use of animal genetic resources can be promoted. The deadline for the submission of project proposals ends on 30th March 2017.

The German Information and Coordination Centre for Biological Diversity is announcing a vacancy for a Senior officer for plant genetic resources (PGR). The tasks of the job announcement includes European and international cooperation in the field of PGR. The job announcement is only available in German language. Applicants should have experiences in international organizations and international conferences on PGR. Working language is German, very good skills in English are also expected. Closing date for applications: 12.12.2016

ICRISAT is seeking a highly motivated and experienced genebank manager and researcher to take care of the international collection. The position is based at ICRISAT Headquarters at Patancheru, near Hyderabad. It will also involve extensive travel to Africa for coordination with regional genebank and other institutions of national partners. ICRISAT is interested to modernize the operations of its genebank at all its locations, characterize germplasm collections both in fields as well as genome level and promote utilization of plant genetic resources in crop improvement.

The World Natural Heritage App is an awarded project of the UN Decade of Biological Diversity 2016. The App invites people around the world to explore the World Natural Heritage on eventful paths through the forest. It offers information for every area of the Ancient German Beech Forests in Jasmund, Serrahn, Grumsin and in the Hainich and Kellerwald, including explanations of the particularities of the beech forest landscape.

The 28th Colloquium of the Research Center Biotechnology and Plant Breeding takes place at the University of Hohenheim on 29th and 30th November 2016 with the title:
"Crop Genetic Diversity: From Description to Valorization". The colloquium will begin on the 29th of November at 1 pm and end on 30 November at 12:15 pm.
Participation is free, but registration on the website https://fsp.uni-hohenheim.de/publikationen0 is required.

United Nations Development Program (UNDP) is looking for candidates to fill in the positions of regional coordinator in Africa, East Europe and Middle East. Both positions will be based in the UNDP offices in Istambul. Bachelor's Level Degree with 7 years experience or Master's Level Degree with 5 years experience is required. Deadline for application is 23rd of September.

The Global Crop Diversity Trust, located in Bonn is seeking candidates for the position of "Executive Assistant". It is a high visible position, representing the Executive Director to all internal and external stakeholders. This requires a high level of professionalism and effective interpersonal skills to communicate speaking and reading in English and German. Minimum of 3-5 years relevant experience, preferably within an international working environment is a condition. Applications will be accepted until September 9, 2016.

The Guidance document on the scope of application and core obligations of Regulation (EU) No 511/2014 has been published in the Official Journal of the European Union. The regulation includes compliance measures for users from the Nagoya Protocol on Access to Genetic Resources and the Fair and Equitable Sharing of Benefits Arising from their Utilisation in the Union.

Bioversity International is recruiting as global coordinator a senior scientist to build on an established research profile and to lead its research on socioeconomically important forest trees. Application deadline: 04th September 2016.

The project “Conservation of genetic diversity in domestic fowls”, which is carried out by the scientific poultry farm of the Federation of German poultry breeders (BDRG) and the Institute of Farm Animal Genetics of the Friedrich-Loeffler-Institute (FLI) has been rewarded as official project of the UN Decade on biological diversity. The aim of the project is to conserve genetic material in the form of sperm from old chicken breeds.
This pilot and demonstration project is supported by the German Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL) and attended by the Federal Office for Agriculture and Food (BLE).

This was the motto of the meeting in Dresden from June 30 to July 1 in Dresden to which the German Association for Landscape Management (DVL) had invited together with the Information and Coordination Centre for Biological Diversity of BLE.
It was about the question of how the conservation of biological diversity in the cultural landscapes can come together with a sustainable agriculture. In specialized forums the topics grassland, autochthonous plants, habitat connectivity, ecological focus areas and marketing of old breeds and varieties were discussed in detail.

The German Information and Coordiantion Centre for Biological Diversity is seeking an expert for plant genetic resources. The tasks are focussed on European and interantional coopertaion in the field of PGR. Applicants should have experiences in international organisations, in international conferences on PGR. Working languange is German, very good skills in English are expected. Closing date for applications: 11.07.2016.

For the program area "Business and Biodiversity" the environmental foundation Global Nature Fund has announced a job vacancy in Bonn or Radolfzell starting 1st of August 2016. GFN promotes biodiversity in the agricultural sector in Europe and beyond. It elaborates biodiversity criteria in standards, labels and company policies and gives recommendations for an optimization of biodiversity targets. More information can be found at:

The final conference of the project „Preparatory action – EU plant and animal genetic resources“ took place on 9th June 2016 in Brussels. The study was announced by the European Commission (DG Agriculture and Rural Development) and aimed to identify the current status and needed future actions concerning plant and animal genetic resources in agriculture. As part of a consortium, the Information and Coordination Centre for Biological Diversity (IBV) of the Federal Office for Agriculture and Food (BLE) gave a substantial contribution to the implementation of the study.

Following the invitation of the Government of Germany, through the European Union, the Thirty-Third Annual Meeting of the North Atlantic Salmon Conservation Organization (NASCO) is held in Bad Neuenahr-Ahrweiler, Germany, from 7 – 10 June 2016. Since the 1980s, Germany is engaged in restoration programmes. As highlighted in the annual report prepared by the Information and Coordination Centre for Biological Diversity, enormous efforts and resources are being committed to improving river connectivity for migratory fish.

In Germany all indigenous pig breeds are endangered. Thus, a symposium on "Genetic resources in pig breed" has been organised by the Federal Ministry for Food and Agriculture (BMEL) and the Federal Office for Agricultural and Food (BLE). The conference dealt with the question, how to ensure the conservation and sustainable use of indigenous pig breeds. The conference proceedings are now available at IBV or online at:

IPBES (Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services) released first drafts of the regional/subregional assessments "Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services" and the “Thematic assessment on land degradation and restoration” available for review by experts. Interested persons with relevant expertise are invited to participate by 11th of July. For participation a registration is required indicating the respective expertise. Further information can be found at

The Biodiversity Network Bonn (BION) was awarded on 22 May 2016 as an official project of the UN Decade Biodiversity. The award is given to projects that are running in of best way for the conservation of biodiversity. With this award, the commitment to the Bonn biodiversity network for its dynamic networking of actors in the thematic area of biodiversity and sustainable development is acknowledged.

The Global Crop Diversity Trust, located in Bonn, is seeking 2 candidates. One for the position of an Administrative Assistant, the other for the position of a Genebank Program Scientist. Applications latest till the 29th of May. The announcements can be find here.

Seventeen delegates from European and Central Asian countries had a meeting in Bonn from 18 to 20 April 2016, they were invited by FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization). The focus of the event was the current situation of biodiversity for food and agriculture in Europe and Central Asia. Delegates discussed the contribution of biodiversity to sustainable and efficient agriculture as well as the challenges of conservation. FAO prepares the first State of the world report on biodiversity for food and agriculture based on the submitted country reports, expected to release in 2018.

The Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture was asked to develop a concept, based on the "National Programme of Plant Genetic Resources", in which the strengthening of regional centers of competence for on-farm management through innovative funding instruments are in the foreground.

The Forest Expert Program aims at increasing the professional exchange of forest management related experience among forest experts and thus at building capacity and transferring knowledge in the field of sustainable forest management worldwide. The Program is funded by the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture and is carried out by the German Forest Society. It offers one month traineeships in order to train skills in sustainable forest management in Germany. Application deadline: 18th April 2016.

On 24th March 2016 the German Gene Bank for Livestock has been opened. The gene bank is founded by the Federal Government and the Länder. It is an important tool in the concept of the National Program for the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Animal Genetic Resources in Germany. Genetic material of endangered, indigenous livestock breeds shall be stored in the gene bank.

The Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) announced the nomination of experts to participate in the Global Assessment on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services and/or in the scoping workshop for the thematic assessment of the Sustainable Use of Biodiversity. Interested experts from Germany can send their application until 13 April 2016 to the German coordination office.

The Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture held in September 2015, the congress "German fruit diversity". The proceedings of this conference are now available on the website of the Julius Kühn Institute.

The Federal Ministry for Food and Agriculture launched a new call for supporting mobility in German-New Zealand research projects within the programme “Bilateral Exchange of Scientists” of the Ministry for Food and Agriculture. Applications can be submitted until April 14th, 2016.

Food production depends on pollination. The increasing loss of pollinator populations all over of the world are therefore still of serious concern. Last Sunday, at the meeting of the International Platform Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) in Kuala Lumpur, a Thematic Assessment of Pollinators, Pollination and Food was presented. The results of the study, compiled by a team of experts from all over the world, aim to support the policy-makers in this regard.
The report will be published on IPBES.net soon.
More information:

The European Parliament adopted a resolution on the mid-term review of the EU’s Biodiversity Strategy. Under no. 4 the EP calls on the Commission to develop a strategy for the conservation of genetic diversity. More information:

The Europa-Rosarium Sangerhausen coordinates the German Genebank for Roses (DGR) within the German Genbank for Ornamentals. Pictures and compilations (e.g. color, breeder) of the accessions are now online available. The data base offers search functions that allow user to filter the data of interest. Pictures and compilations are available as pdf download. More information (only in German) at the following link.

The "Küstenwald Usedom" was chosen as Forest of the Year 2016 by the Union of German Foresters (Bund Deutscher Forstleute, BDF). It documents the exemplary fulfillment of all requirements of society and nature in a forest as well as the efforts of the foresters.

The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations FAO seeks two Agricultural Officers for Plant Genetic Resources in Rome. The functions are translating the potentials of plant genetic resources into improved productivities on farmer´s fields. An advanced university degree in agronomy focusing crop science, Plant Genetic Resources or related subjects and at least three or seven years' experience in these topics as well as appropriate language skills are required. Applications can be submitted until February 22th, 2016.

The Federal Ministry for Nutrition and Agriculture (BMEL) awarded the farm Wehmeyer for the breeding of the cattle breed Rotes Höhenvieh in the framework of the Federal Competition for Organic Farming. 49 farms applied for this award in 2016. The farm Wehmeyer keeps 240 animals of the rare breed Rotes Höhenvieh. The meat products are sold on the regional market. Furthermore the farm is engaged in local nature conservation activities.

The Small-leaved lime (Tilia cordata) has been chosen as the "Tree of the Year 2016". The tree is native to the whole of Europe and can be found as co-dominant tree species in mixed stands. Small-leaved lime is a deciduous tree growing to 20 - 30 m, which can reach an age of 1000 years. The leaves are alternately arranged and distinctively heart-shaped. It is a tree with a wide range of applications: The flowers are used for herbal teas and tinctures; and are pollinated by bees. Therefore lime are very important honey plants for beekeepers, producing a richly flavored honey.

The Society for the Conservation of Old and Endangered Livestock Breeds nominates each year the "Endangered livestock breed". It wants to draw attention to the importance of agricultural diversity. 2016, there are three regional cattle breeds in focus, which are well adapted to their particular regions and also culturally rooted. While the “Original Braunvieh” is especially adapted to the steep and stony grassland areas of the Alps, the “Glanrind” lives low mountains. The “Deutsche Schwarzbunte Niederungsrind” is well adjusted to lowland and coastal regions.

The pike (Esox lucius) is chosen as Fish of the Year 2016. The pike is one of the biggest and best known freshwater fish species in Germany. The pike is a good example to show the connections between species and nature conservation and the sustainable use of natural resources. If the river banks and floodplains rehabilitated or maintained in a natural state, they serve the pike as a refuge and spawning ground. On the one hand this will preserve the stocks of this among anglers very popular fish species and on the other hand habitats will be sustained and improved for many other sensitive animal and plant species.

The BLE has published the fourth edition of the Red List of Indigenous Breeds in Germany 2015. Currently the German Advisory Council for Animal Genetic Resources categorises 52 of 75 indigenous breeds as endangered. The Red List provides an overview over the endangerment of breeds in Germany. The brochure can be ordered for free under the e-mail address ibv@ble.de.

Symposium on microorganisms and invertebrates

on 26 / 27th November 2015 a symposium on “microorganisms and invertebrates - key service providers for agriculture and food" took place. Around 100 experts discussed the importance of microorganisms and invertebrates for mankind, for the soil, the plant health, as pollinators or for the food production, and how these organisms can be conserved and sustainably utilized (further information in German only)

‘Oberlausitzer Biokarpfen’ is distinct on account of its high vitality and good processing of its feed, as well as its particular resilience with regard to the aforementioned climatic conditions. The specific natural, economic and social conditions have favoured the development of pond aquaculture and the centuries-old tradition of carp breeding. The knowledge hereby obtained by carp breeders, the exceptional water quality and the specific, extensive and sustainable breeding conditions, particularly the low stocking density and the significant influence of the continental climate guarantee the characteristic features of ‘Oberlausitzer Biokarpfen’.

The Michael Otto Foundation for Environmental Protection has initiated a joint project in which it is intended to show in at least 10 demonstration farms in Germany that biodiversity and conventional agriculture are compatible. An ecological and economic research will accompany the project. This project is designed for 10 years and involves important stakeholders of agriculture and nature conservation.

The national report on the conservation and sustainable use of forest genetic resources in Germany served as the basis for the preparation of The State of the World’s Forest Genetic Resources of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). The national report is available within the "Serial on Agrobiodiversity" and can be ordered at the IBV as a printed (only German) and online version.

This entitled »Sustainable Use of Our Oceans – Making Ideas Work« and published by the non-profit organization maribus gGmbH with support from mare magazine, the International Ocean Institute (IOI) and the Cluster of Excellence »The Future Ocean«, takes a global view of the topics of sustainability and the oceans. »Sustainability« has become one of today’s inflationary terms and its meaning varies according to definition or context. The WOR contributors from the Cluster of Excellence »The Future Ocean« make the link between sustainability theory and research on ways of responsibly managing the oceans and their resources.

On 14th November 2015 the German Association for the Protection of Forests and Wood-lands (SDW) is calling for a day of action regarding the horse-chestnut leaf miner. Since the end of May the infestation signs are visible. Where the moth is established, the safest and most practical means of control is to remove fallen leaves during the autumn and winter.

The Network BION (Biodiversity Bonn) connects about 60 organisations in the Bonn region working at local, regional, national or international level on the issue of biodiversity. In winter semester 2015/2016, BION-partners offer a lecture series at the University of Bonn. Current aspects of biodiversity will be presented and discussed every Thursday evening at 5.15 pm for 45 minutes. Biodiversity for food and agriculture will be lectured on November 19 with the title: “Conservation and use – a conflict?” and on December 3 with the subject: “Basis for sustainable agriculture and healthy nutrition” in German language.

During the Conference of Ministers of Agriculture in Germany on the beginning of October 2015 the federal government and the Bundesländer agreed the establishment of the German Gene Bank for Animal Genetic Resources. Therewith an important element of the National Programme for the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Animal Genetic Resources in Germany will be implemented. The gene bank concept have been elaborated by the Advisory Committee for Animal Genetic Resources. Even the Scientific Committee for Biodiversity and Genetic Resources supported successfully the establishment of the gene bank.

On 26/27th of November, there is a conference on Microorgansimes and Invertebrates and their crucial importance for food and agriculture. It is organised by the Federal German Ministry for Food and Agriculture (BMEL), the Federal Office for Agriculture and Food (BLE) with its Information and Coodination Centre for Biological Diversity (IBV) and the Working Group ""Biodiversity" of BMEL`s Agricultural Research Centres. The conference presents the current status of information on the importance and the role of microorganisms/invertebrates for food and agriculture, and discusses future activities for their conservation and sustainable use.

The European Commission opened a new call for tender for a preparatory action “EU plant and animal genetic resources in agriculture”, that target on neglected genetic resources. Deadline for the submission of offers: 5 October 2015

The Ministry for Rural Areas and Costumer Protection of Baden-Württemberg presents on their website “Bio aus Baden-Württemberg” regional breeds for organic farming. Currently there are presentations of rare cattle breeds, e. g. the Braunvieh alter Zuchtrichtung and the Limpurger cattle. Informations about further breeds will follow.

Nature conservation in Germany dates back to the early 20th century. As the Rheinische Landwirtschafts-Verband (RLV) has announced the conservation of the habitats of animal and plant species would be implemented in a special way on the designation of protected areas.

After one and a half years of negotiations, Schleswig-Holstein Environment and Fisheries Minister Robert Habeck, conservation organizations and representatives of the blue mussel farmers have agreed on common key points for future blue mussel aquaculture in the Wadden Sea National Park.

The World Vegetable Center in Taiwan is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Genebank Manager to manage the conservation of the Center´s vegetable germplasm, to lead and conduct research on vegetable genetic resources of both global and traditional crops. Application ends on July 31 2015.

The Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL) and the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) have published their calls in the field of plant breeding in the Federal Gazette. The modern plant breeding and breeding research use plant genetic resources to generate breeding success and improve resource efficiency. We encourage players to submit their innovative proposals. Deadline for submission of project proposals is 22 October 2015th

On 12 June Professor Dr. Dr. hc Alois Heißenhuber has been awarded the golden Johann Heinrich von Thünen Medal for his outstanding performance to agriculture. From 2007 to 2014, he supported the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture inter alia as member of the Scientific Advisory Board on Biodiversity and Genetic Resources. From 1996 until his recent retirement he was professor for agricultural economics at the Technical University of Munich / Weihenstephan.

The Global Crop Diversity Trust, located in Bonn is seeking a Personal Assistant to the Executive Director and the Organization´s Executive Management team. He/she will be based in Bonn (Germany). The initial contract will be for a period of three years. A minimum of seven years working experience, preferably in an international context and proficiency in English and German are required. Applications should be sent not later than 17 July 2015.

A new pilot and demonstration project for the conservation of wild celery is coordinated by the Julius Kühn Institute (JKI) and funded by BMEL / BLE. Partners are the University of Osnabrück and the Humboldt University of Berlin. The project team is supported by national environmental agencies and lower nature conservation authorities in twelve states as well as the Federal Agency for Nature Conservation (BfN) and the Information and Coordination Centre for Biological Diversity (IBV). The results are intended to build a nationwide network to maintain genetic diversity of these species in their natural habitats.

An interest group is trying to conserve this most endangered German pig breed. The Information and Coordination Center for Biological Diversity (IBV) of the BLE would like to help this initiative. People who are interested in the Leicoma Pig are encouraged to contact the IBV (ibv@ble.de, 0049(0)228/ 68 45 -3694).

IPBES (Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services) released the second draft of the report "pollinators, pollination and food production" available for review by experts. Interested persons with relevant expertise are invited to participate by 30 June. For participation a registration is required indicating the respective expertise and the chapters to be required on

Major European research institutes have joined forces to enable and maintain the Freshwater Information Platform, a new community information resource. Numerous EU funded projects addressing freshwater ecology and water management have generated websites, tools, databases and other products, which are intended for long-term use. The Mission of this Information Platform is to bring together the results of many projects dealing with freshwater ecosystems in one a single platform.

The EU parliament adopted a new “EU Forest Strategy: for forests and the forest-based sector”. With the strategy the sustainable management of forests, the efficient use of resources and strengthening the competitiveness of the forest sector should be encouraged. In addition, it should also provide solutions for cross-border challenges such as forest fires, climate change, natural disasters and the invasion of alien species. In addition, there should be less bureaucracy for forest owners and foresters.

With the adoption of two bills the government cabinet opens the door for the ratification of the Nagoya Protocol. The Protocol lays down rules for access to genetic resources in other countries and the sharing of benefits resulting from the use of genetic resources. The Nagoya Protocol and the European Regulation on its implementation entered into force in October 2014. Until October 2015 Germany is obliged to establish a national competent authority being responsible for checks on user compliance with the EU-Regulation in Germany. Designated Authority is the Federal Agency for Nature Conservation.

The updated Information System Genetic Resources (GENRES) now offers information about rare tree species in Germany. These are based on the results of nationally surveys - supported by BMEL - using standardized methodologies to preserve genetic resources of rare and endangered tree species (Black Poplar, Common Yew, Downy Oak, Elm species, Field Maple, Green Alder and Grey Alder, Service Tree, Wild Apple, Wild Cherry, Wild Pear and Wild Service Tree). GENRES is hosted by the Information- and Coordination Centre for Biological Diversity at the BLE.

The Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL) published the results of the national forest condition survey 2014. The recent survey shows that the condition of the forest in Germany compared to last year has deteriorated slightly: The crown condition of spruce and beech decreased. Contrary to this, oak trees have improved; pine trees are almost unchanged. This information provides an important basis for forest and environmental policy decisions regarding the protection of the forests.

The Network BION (Biodiversity Bonn) connects about 60 organisations in the Bonn region working at local, regional, national or international level on the issue of biodiversity. In summer semester 2015, BION-partners offer a lecture series at the University of Bonn. Current aspects of biodiversity will be presented and discussed every Tuesday evening at 18.15 for 45 minutes. Biodiversity for food and agriculture will be lectured on Mai 5 with the title: “Conservation and use – a conflict?” and on June 9 with the subject: “Basis for sustainable agriculture and healthy nutrition”.

The Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL) publishes a newsletter with regard to projects supporting sustainable forest management worldwide. The concept "Protection by Utilization" is the main theme of all supported projects. Additionally, BMEL takes up the different processes of the international forest regime and complements the measures of the German development cooperation with these projects.

The Association for the Promotion of Crop Plant Research e. V. awards this year again the Rudolf-Mansfeld-Price. This prize is awarded for the best final thesis on Plant Genetic Resources in the broader sense.
The award is connected to a cash prize of 1,000 €. The closing date is April 30th 2015.

The Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL) published in 2014 a funding priority for "Sustainable Forest Management". Information on nine projects, further funding opportunities and on the subject of sustainable forest management are available on the new web page.

IPBES (Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services) released several drafts of assessments and guidelines for comments, inter alia on conceptualisations of values of biodiversity and relevant policy support tools and methodologies. The IPBES secretariat invites interested stakeholders for participation and involvement in the ongoing work. Comments can be submitted to secretariat@ipbes.net until 31.03.2015.

The Gregor Mendel Foundation will award the Gregor Mendel Innovation Prize 2015 to Mahmoud Solh, PhD, Director General of the International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA), representing his team, for rescuing the genetic resources of the ICARDA gene bank in Syria. The Award ceremony for rescuing genetic resources of the gene bank takes place on 19 March 2015 in Berlin.

State Secretary of the Federal Ministry for Food and Agriculture, Peter Bleser has visited the Svalbard Global Seed Vault. The seed bank is a project of the Crop Diversity Trust and aims to conserve the diversity of crops for the future. Today around 825 000 accessions are stored in the permafrost.

The latest LIFE Nature Focus publication takes a close look at the work LIFE projects have done to protect threatened freshwater fish species and improve their habitats. The 64-page brochure, LIFE and freshwater fish, highlights the status of key species and the threats they face, as well as providing an overview of LIFE's efforts to improve their conservation status, help in the management of the Natura 2000 network, and meet the targets set by the EU Biodiversity Strategy to 2020.

The Association for crop diversity (VEN) organises, together with local actors, a seed diversity festival in Dusseldorf/Germany on 7th of March from 11.00 – 17.00. Vegetable rarities are presented, visitors can exchange seed and may learn something useful about seed and seed multiplication in their own garden.

A significantly in Thünen-Institute for Baltic Sea fisheries with European partners developed selective fishing gear FRESWIND, has been awarded in the United States in the global Smart Gear Competition with the runner-up prize. The prize is worth $ 10,000. In the biennial international competition signed by WWF innovative ideas will be awarded, which can reduce the unwanted by-catch in fisheries.

The "River Landscape of the Year" which is advertised by the NaturFreunde Deutschlands (NFD) and the German Angelfischerverband (DAFV) is proclaimed every two years in a joint advisory board of Freshwater Ecology. Extended deadline for application of the "River Landscape of the Year 2016/2017" is this year September 1st.

The Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) announced the two first Order Draft of the Assessment reports on the thematic assessment of “pollinators, pollination and food production” and “policy support tools and methodologies for scenario analysis and modelling of biodiversity and ecosystem services” are available for Experts Review from 19 January to 2 March, 2015. IPBES encourages individuals who have significant expertise and/or publications relevant to the assessment reports to serve as expert reviewers and asks for registration process under

WCMC (World Conservation Monitoring Centre) of UNEP (United Nations Environment Programme) is seeking students or graduates in biological or environmental sciences for an 8 month placement, beginning September 2015 in Cambridge. The internship is offered within the Species Programme of UNEP-WCMC, where they manage, analyse and deliver information on animal and plant species. They seek candidates with a good understanding of biodiversity issues and interest in international species conservation, skills in scientific research and data management. The placement is funded by the Carlo Schmid Programme of DAAD (Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst).

The CULINARIS - seeds for food with headquarters in the region Göttingen is looking for a person with interest in seeds work and experiences from some of the following areas: marketing, gardening or farming, seed growing and plant breeding.

For the 27th time a Tree of the Year was acknowledged by the Dr. Silvius Wodarz Stifung in Germany. For 2015, Field Maple (Acer campestre), was chosen by Germany's Kuratorium "Baum des Jahres". It is a broadleaf deciduous tree native to Germany and most of Europe. Mature trees can grow to 20 m and live for up to 300 years. His real strength is a striking autumn color: The leave color turns into a remarkable rich golden yellow and sometimes red, before falling in late autumn.

The first time a federal country, Northrhine-Westfalia, is planning to offer payments for all German native, rare breeds. Interested breeders in Northrhine-Westfalia can apply for these payments until 31st December 2014 to the "Landwirtschaftskammer Nordrhein-Westfalen". The breeds, which could get these payments, have been selected on the basis of the Red List of Native Breeds of the BLE.

The Federal Scheme for Organic Farming and Other Kinds of Sustainable Farming invites to provide pre-proposals for R/D-projects in the field of "Development of concepts for sustainable animal breeding". This includes utilization concepts for rare native breeds. In case of questions, please contact Ms Dorothee Hahn (0228/6845-3271).

The Grunewald was chosen as Forest of the Year 2015 by the Union of German Foresters (Bund Deutscher Forstleute BDF). It documents the exemplary fulfillment of all requirements of society and nature in a forest as well as the efforts of the foresters.

The Global Crop Diversity Trust, located in Bonn is seeking candidates for the position of "Fellow - Impact Assessment". The job offers young graduates of Masters or other post-graduate programs in agricultural economics, development or environmental research or other related technical field a first employment experience opportunity under the supervision of a senior scientist. Applications will be accepted until January 9, 2015.

The Huchen (Hucho hucho) is fish of the year 2015, one of the greatest representatives of the salmonid family. Its natural distribution is restricted to the Danube river system, thus it is also called Danube salmon. The Huchen has been included in the Red List as "Endangered Species". Its possibilities for spawning have been limited due to barrages and river regulation of the Danube and there tributaries. For its protection the river continuity and highly structured rivers should be restored and preserved.

The German Coordination Office of IPBES (International Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services) invites for November 27th of 2014 to the third National Forum. It will take place at the Hotel Collegium Leoninum in Bonn. On the agenda are national activities and informations on the latest IPBES expert groups as well as the preparation of national positions for the international plenary session next January. The event will conclude with a panel discussion on perspectives and the evaluation of the IPBES process.

Since the beginning of the 21st century the herd book breeding of official recognized breeding associations decreases. Because of this development all German native pig breeds are endangered now. Therefore the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture and the Federal Office for Agriculture and Food invites to a symposium on pig breeding on 20th November 2014. The aims of the symposium are to secure the conservation and sustainable use of native pig breeds, to strengthen the future role of breeding associations and to elaborate innovative concepts for the in situ conservation of native pig breeds.

On 08th November 2014 the German Association for the Protection of Forests and Wood-lands (SDW) is calling for a day of action regarding the horse-chestnut leaf miner. Since the end of May the infestation signs are visible. Where the moth is established, the safest and most practical means of control is to remove fallen leaves during the autumn and winter.

The Federal Scheme for Organic Farming and Other Kinds of Sustainable Farming invites to provide pre-proposals for R/D-projects in the field of "Sustainable Processing and Marketing of high-value agricultural products. This includes R/D-projects concerning the processing and marketing of endangered genetic resources for food. In case of questions, please contact Ms Dorothee Hahn (0228/6845-3271).

A symposium on "Agrobiodiversity in grassland - utilization and conservation" organised by the Information and Coordination Centre for Biological Diversity took place in Berlin on 12./13. of November 2013. The proceedings of the symposium include speakers contributions. They are now available at IBV and online (German with English abstracts).

On October 12th 2014, the Nagoya Protocol on access to genetic resources and the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from their utilization, became effective following its ratification by 51 Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). It was already decided in 2010. At the same time the EU-wide legal framework for the implementation of the protocol, EU-Regulation 511/2014, entered into force. Contemporaneous to the 12th Conference of the Parties to the CBD, today, the first Meeting of the Parties is taking place in Pyoengchang / South Korea.

Report on Conservation of Forest Genetic Resources

The Federal Government and Länder working group "Forest Genetic Resources and Legislation on Forest Reproductive Material" published its progress report summarizing the conservation and sustainable utilization measures for forest genetic resources of tree and shrub species for the period 2009-2013. The report may be ordered by mail (ibv@ble.de) or phone (0228/99 68 45 - 32 37). It is also available for download.

The National Forest Inventory, which was conducted for the third time by the Federal government and the Federal states, recognized the condition and development of the German forests and provides a comparison with the forest conditions in 2002. The inventory examined inter alia the age classes of trees, timber growth and harvest, timber supplies, surface growth, age structure, proportion of dead wood and the development and impact of nature conservation measures. One result of the study is that the forest area in Germany has remained constant at 11.4 million hectares compared to 2002.

The Global Biodiversity Outlook is a mid-term assessment of progress towards the implementation of the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity. Its fourth edition was officially launched on the opening day of the Twelfth Meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP 12) in Pyeongchang, Korea. The issue is one of the major topics that will be discussed during the conference from 6th to 17th october, 2014.

The Network Forum on Biodiversity Research Germany (NeFo) follows the aim of visualising scientists of all kind of fields concerning biodiversity and to introduce their work as a basic solid knowledge to policy. During the 12th contractual states conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity from 6th to 17th of October 2014 in Pyengchang (South Korea), NeFo is looking forward to present the knowledge of motivated experts and therefore they are looking for interested scientists for press interviews.

The Federal Government has set up the new budget title "International Sustainable Forest Management" with a budget of five million euros yearly. The BLE is responsible for the funding scheme "Research for International Sustainable Forest Management". Firstly, the scheme will support appropriate bilateral, application-oriented research projects in cooperation between German and relevant research institutions in selected partner countries.

BION – an acronym for Biodiversity in Bonn – convened its first international conference from 17 to 19 September 2014 “Biodiversity – Today for Tomorrow” in Bonn. More than 300 participants from 38 countries and 112 institutions attended the conference and discussed with academics and experts from different point of views the necessity of maintaining biodiversity and how further loss can be stopped. The Information and Coordination Centre for biological Diversity in the Federal Office for food and agriculture chaired the session "Biodiversity for food and agriculture/bioeconomy" which was focused on plant genetic resources of agricultural crops.

The Chamber of Agriculture Northrhine-Westphalia (NRW) organised a workshop on "Experiences of the use of old cereals in today`s food". It was the second workshop in the frame of the activities on plant genetic resources in NRW. The workshop presented practical experiences of the use of old cereals for bread and beer production as well as scientific results on ingredients and production qualities of cereals like einkorn and emmer wheat. The presentations of the workshop are now available (in German only).

From April 13th to May 1st 2015 the University of Wageningen offers a course of contemporary strategies for conservation and use of genetic resources. The course is designed for professionals working in policy, research, education or development areas, which are involved in genetic resources management. The course subjects are inter alia current genetic resources management incl. gene bank and on-farm management, international agreements like WTO-TRIPS, UPOV or Nagoya protocol of the convention on biological diversity and the present discussions about regulations on access and benefit sharing.

Public BION-evening lectures on September 16 in Bonn

In the run-up of the first international BION-conference in September the network offers two interesting evening lectures by renowned scientists from the Nees Institute for Biodiversity of Plants at the University of Bonn. On September 16, 2014 Prof. Dr. Wilhelm Barthlott will report on "Biodiversity - dimension, importance and threat of variety of life." Prof. Dr. Maximilian Weigend will give an outline on modern biodiversity research. The lectures will take place in lecture hall I in the main building of the University of Bonn, entry is free.